Decorative belt embellished with award ribbons

ABSTRACT

An award belt includes a belt configured to secure around a waist of a wearer and at least one award ribbon disposed on the belt. The award ribbon is configured to be displayed on the belt. The belt can include an elongated flexible belt layer having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The belt layer includes an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. At least one award ribbon is disposed on the outer surface of the belt layer between the first end and the second end. Indicia of the award ribbon are visible.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to belts for securing garments around the waist, and more particularly, to a belt decorated with award ribbons.

Belts have been used for both utility and decoration in fashions. The belt serves the utility of securing garments close to the waist. Belts can be a part of an outfit as well, providing an accent to the garment. The prior art has taught a variety of belts.

In certain prior art belts, the belt structure can have an interchangeable decorative strip detachably fastened to the outside of the belt. The decorative strips are removable to allow for replacement of various other decorative strips to alter the appearance of the belt and to match different garments.

Other prior art belt designs include names attached to the belt inside formed pockets. The names attached to the belt can be changed to match the wearer. The prior art includes systems for inserting liners having indicia such as letters, symbols, or the like.

Award ribbons are physical symbols of accomplishment awarded to individuals and teams. The award ribbons are often made of a silk-like material that includes prominent indicia displayed on the material. The indicia can include the type of event, the type of prize awarded and the date or season of the year the event took place and/or other information that can indicate to a viewer the magnitude of the award. Award ribbons are often placed on a tether that can be used to display the award ribbon by hanging the ribbon from a fixed location, such as over a trophy. The award ribbon can be placed in an award case or other such prominent display. The typical award case is located in a home and limits the number of viewers available to view the award ribbon.

It would be advantageous to provide a method and an apparatus to display award ribbons on a belt. The present invention provides the aforementioned and other advantages.

What is needed in the art is an award belt that can display at least one award ribbon.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention, an award belt includes a belt configured to be secured around a waist of a wearer and at least one award ribbon disposed on the belt. The award ribbon can be configured on the belt fro display. The belt can include an elongated flexible belt layer having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The belt layer includes an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. At least one award ribbon can be disposed on the outer surface of the belt layer between the first end and the second end. Indicia of the award ribbon can be visible.

In an exemplary embodiment, a backing layer can be disposed between the outer surface and the award ribbon, the backing layer extending along the belt layer between the first end and the second end. The award ribbon can be stitched to the backing layer and the backing layer can be stitched to the belt layer. A plurality of award ribbons can be disposed on the backing layer opposite the belt layer between the first end and the second end. The award ribbons can be disposed on the backing layer in one of an end-to-end configuration, a spaced apart configuration and an overlapping configuration. The award ribbon indicia can comprise at least one of characters, words and numerals. The award ribbon can comprise indicia indicating at least one of a horse show award, a gymnastics award, a dance award, an athletic competition award, and various other awards. The award ribbon can be coupled to another award ribbon in an end-to-end configuration. The award ribbon can be stitched to the belt layer. The award ribbon can be wrapped around the belt layer and attach to the outer surface and the inner surface.

An exemplary method of displaying award ribbons can be provided disposing at least one award ribbon on an outer surface of a belt. The belt can include an elongated flexible belt layer having an inner surface opposite the outer surface. A fastener can be included at a first end of the belt layer and can be configured to secure the belt layer around a waist of a wearer. The method provides for displaying the award ribbon on the belt. The ribbon can comprise at least one of a horse show ribbon, a sporting event ribbon, a dance ribbon and various other award ribbons. A plurality of ribbons can be displayed together on the belt. An award ribbon can overlap a portion of another award ribbon. The award ribbon can include indicia of at least one contest. The method can provide for disposing a backing layer between the award ribbon and the outer surface of the belt layer. The ribbon can be wrapped around the belt layer contacting the outer surface and the inner surface.

In an exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a method for producing a decorative belt comprising securing at least one award ribbon on an outer surface of a belt. The belt can include an elongated flexible belt layer having an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The belt layer can include a buckle at a first end of the belt configured to secure the belt layer around a waist of a wearer. The method can provide for disposing a backing layer between the award ribbon and the outer surface of the belt layer. The backing layer can extend over to the inner surface of the belt layer proximate at least one of the first end and a second end opposite the first end of the belt layer. The method can include overlapping a portion of the award ribbon over a portion of another award ribbon. The method can provide for disposing the award ribbon on the inner surface of the belt layer and the outer surface of the belt layer. The award ribbon can include a ribbon width less than a width of the belt layer and/or less than a width of the backing layer disposed on the belt layer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Referring now to the figures, wherein like elements are numbered alike:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary award belt.

FIG. 2 is a top view of an exemplary award belt.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an exemplary award belt.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure provides an exemplary decorative award belt. The award belt includes a belt including a belt layer with an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface is normally worn away from the body and can be seen along with the outer garment. At least one award ribbon is sewn on or otherwise attached to (e.g., by adhesive) the outer surface of the belt layer. The award ribbon is placed such that onlookers can see the indicia of the award. A plurality of award ribbons can be attached to the belt in a manner that allows for a portion of the ribbons to be displayed on the outer surface. The award ribbons can be configured in various patterns including an overlapping pattern, side-by-side pattern, end-to-end pattern, and combinations thereof. A backing layer can be disposed on the belt layer between the outer surface and the award ribbon. The backing layer can provide an added decorative element to the overall display of the award ribbons on the belt.

FIGS. 1 through 3 illustrate exemplary embodiments of the decorative award belt (belt) 10. The belt 10 includes a belt layer 12. The belt layer 12 can be an elongated flexible structure configured to be worn about a wearer's waist. The belt layer 12 can be fashioned from various materials that provide the necessary properties for supporting garments as well as providing a decorative appearance. In a preferred embodiment, the belt layer 12 comprises a woven cloth material, such as canvas. The belt layer 12 includes a first end 14 and a second end 16 opposite the first end 14. The belt layer 12 includes an outer surface 18 and an inner surface 20 opposite the outer surface 18. The inner surface 20 is usually worn proximate to the wearer and the outer surface 18 is visible distal from the wearer. A fastener (e.g., buckle) 22 can be coupled to the belt layer 12 and configured to secure belt 10 around a wearer, such as about the waist. The fastener 22 is illustrated proximate the first end 14, but can be coupled at the second end 16 and in alternate embodiments, a fastener 22 (or portions thereof) can be at both ends 14, 16. The belt 10 can include an optional backing layer 24 disposed on the outer surface 18 of the belt layer 12.

The backing layer 24 can comprise a decorative material that can span from the first end 14 to the second end 16 along the length of the belt layer 12. The backing layer 24 can be stitched to the belt layer 12 and/or coupled to the belt layer 12 by various other techniques, such as adhesive, thermal bonding, mechanical fasteners, or the like. The backing layer 24 can include a width 26 that is less than the width 28 of the belt layer 12, as shown. Additionally, the backing layer width 26 can be less than the belt layer width 28, or greater than the belt layer width 28, e.g., wrapped around the belt layer 12. In an alternate exemplary embodiment, the backing layer 24 can comprise multiple backing layers.

An award ribbon (ribbon) 30 can be included with the belt 10 and located proximate the outer surface 18 of the belt layer 12. The award ribbon 30 can be directly disposed on the outer surface 18 of the belt layer 12 and/or disposed on the backing layer 24 distal from the outer surface 18. In an exemplary embodiment, the backing layer 24 is disposed between the outer surface 18 of the belt layer 12 and the award ribbon 30. The award ribbon 30 can include indicia 32 that signify a type of award. The indicia 32 can also comprise characters, words, numerals, or the like. Other forms of ribbons 30 can be included on the belt 10, for example, a particular calendar year, a calendar date, a geographic region, and the like. Portions of award ribbons and/or full award ribbons can be included with the belt 10. The ribbon 30 can be configured on the belt layer 12 and/or the backing layer 24 in different patterns in relation to other ribbons 30 also displayed on the belt 10. The ribbons 30 can be separated in a spaced-apart pattern 34. The ribbons 30 can be laid on top of each other in an overlapping pattern 36. The ribbons 30 can be oriented in an end-to-end pattern 38 touching at each respective edge. The ribbon 30 can be wrapped around portions of the belt layer 12 such that the ribbon 30 can be disposed on both the outer surface 18 and the inner surface 20. The backing layer 24 can also be configured to be disposed on both the outer surface 18 and the inner surface 20, as well as between the ribbon 30 and the belt layer 12 (See FIG. 3). The ribbon 30 can also be attached to the belt layer 12 or backing layer 24 with stitching 40 and/or other attaching means. The ribbon width 42 can be less than the belt layer width 28 and/or less than or equal to the backing layer width 26.

The award ribbons 30 can include, but are not limited to, ribbons for race contests (e.g., pinewood derby), cooking contests, horse shows, athletic events, agricultural awards, county fair contests, dance competitions and the like.

The award belt 10 provides a novel technique for displaying award ribbons 30. The award belt 10 also provides for the practical functions of a belt without the loss of utility. The award belt 10 provides for the display of various award ribbons 30 along the length of the belt 10 or in other embodiments at predetermined locations along the belt 10. In an exemplary embodiment, award ribbons 30 can be disposed on both the inner surface 20 and the outer surface 18 providing for a reversible belt style, such that the belt 10 can be reversed to display ribbons on the inner surface 20 or the outer surface 18, or twisted to display ribbons 30 in both the inner surface 20 and the outer surface 18. In other exemplary embodiments, the belt 10 can include a strap for a handbag, brief case, valise, or the like.

While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. An award belt comprising: a belt configured to secure around a waist of a wearer; and at least one award ribbon disposed on said belt and configured to be displayed.
 2. The belt of claim 1 wherein said belt comprises an elongated flexible belt layer having a first end and a second end opposite said first end, said belt layer including an outer surface and an inner surface opposite said outer surface; and said at least one award ribbon disposed on said outer surface of said belt layer between said first end and said second end, wherein indicia of said at least one award ribbon is visible.
 3. The belt of claim 1 further comprising: a backing layer disposed between said outer surface and said at least one award ribbon, said backing layer extending along said belt layer between said first end and said second end.
 4. The belt of claim 3 wherein said at least one award ribbon is stitched to said backing layer and said backing layer is stitched to said belt layer.
 5. The belt of claim 3 further comprising: a plurality of award ribbons disposed on said backing layer opposite said belt layer between said first end and said second end.
 6. The belt of claim 5 wherein said plurality of award ribbons are disposed on said backing layer in one of an end-to-end configuration, a spaced apart configuration and an overlapping configuration.
 7. The belt of claim 1 wherein said at least one award ribbon indicia comprises at least one of characters, words and numerals.
 8. The belt of claim 1 wherein said at least one award ribbon comprises indicia indicating at least one of a horse show award, a gymnastics award, a dance award, and an athletic competition award.
 9. The belt of claim 2 wherein said at least one award ribbon is coupled to another award ribbon in an end-to-end configuration.
 10. The belt of claim 2 wherein said at least one award ribbon is stitched to said belt layer.
 11. The belt of claim 2 wherein said at least one award ribbon wraps around said belt layer and attaches to said outer surface and said inner surface.
 12. A method for displaying award ribbons comprising: disposing at least one award ribbon on an outer surface of a belt, wherein said belt includes an elongated flexible belt layer having an inner surface opposite said outer surface, said belt layer including a fastener at a first end configured to secure said belt layer around a waist of a wearer; and displaying said at least one award ribbon on said belt.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein said at least one award ribbon comprises at least one of a horse show ribbon, a sporting event ribbon and a dance ribbon.
 14. The method of claim 12 wherein said at least one award ribbon overlaps a portion of another award ribbon.
 15. The method of claim 12 wherein said at least one award ribbon includes indicia of at least one contest.
 16. The method of claim 12 further comprising: disposing a backing layer between said at least one award ribbon and said outer surface of said belt layer.
 17. The method of claim 12 wherein said at least one ribbon wraps around said belt layer contacting said outer surface and said inner surface.
 18. The method of claim 12 wherein said at least one ribbon comprises a plurality of ribbons.
 19. A method for producing a decorative belt comprising: securing at least one award ribbon on an outer surface of a belt, wherein said belt includes an elongated flexible belt layer having an inner surface opposite said outer surface, said belt layer including a fastener at a first end of said belt configured to secure said belt layer around a waist of a wearer.
 20. The method of claim 19 further comprising: disposing a backing layer between said at least one award ribbon and said outer surface of said belt layer.
 21. The method of claim 19 further comprising: overlapping a portion of said at least one award ribbon over a portion of another award ribbon.
 22. The method of claim 19 further comprising: disposing said at least one award ribbon on said inner surface of said belt layer and said outer surface of said belt layer.
 23. The method of claim 19 further comprising; a backing layer disposed on said outer surface and said inner surface of said belt layer proximate at least one of said first end and a second end opposite said first end of said belt layer.
 24. The method of claim 19 wherein said at least one award ribbon includes a ribbon width less than a width of said belt layer.
 25. The method of claim 19 wherein said at least one award ribbon includes a ribbon width less than a width of a backing layer disposed on said belt layer. 